Traps in SrAl2O4:Eu2+ phosphor with rare-earth ion doping

Abstract The depths and relative densities of the traps in a series of SrAl2O4:Eu2+, Ln (14 rare-earths) phosphors are measured with a transient luminescence method. The observed hole activation energies (trap depths) are quite different across the series and related to the ionization potential and 4fn-4fn−15d transition energies of the divalent ions of this series, reflecting the 4f-electron interaction energy of each rare earth ion.